The first Bull Creek Flea-tique of the year took place this past Sunday, and I was looking forward to finding some fresh art materials! In my excitement for “opening day”, I did not take into account that the previous week had been a rainy one. Sure, I figured the grass would be a bit damp, but I was ill prepared for surface conditions at Bull Creek. It was muddy. Saying it was muddy does not seem enough. The field was pure muck. The ground was pure sludge.The rainy weather had turned the flea market into a quagmire, and I had left my rubber boots in a closet at home. (Note to self: always keep a pair of boots in back of truck.)

The highlight of my trudging through this bog was finding a fifty pound shortening can with the name “Roberts” across the front. A friend pointed out that there was no apostrophe, but I still thought of the can has having my name on it. In addition, I picked up a metal canister set that had recipes printed on the surface (good texture material in a tin piece); a metal sign that reads “Hevi-Duty” (that may be a title for a piece); and some miscellaneous assemblage items.

Trying to leave the flea market was a bit challenging. Dozens of vehicles were stuck, while others were being pushed out of the muck by teams of volunteers. A tow truck had arrived and I am sure he was quite busy throughout the remainder of the morning. Leaving through the normal exit road was impossible as several stranded vehicles had created gridlock. I cut across the muddy field to reach the entrance road which was in a bit better condition. I was thankful for my four-wheel drive vehicle!

Most of you that know me, or at least know this blog, are aware that I love flea markets. I often say that “The flea market is my palette.”. The majority of my art work is comprised of repurposed lithographed metal and found objects, and I obtain most of these materials at the flea market. My favorite outdoor market is in Rogers, Ohio, about 90 minutes north of our home in WV. This past April 18th, my wife, Chris, and I headed to our first Rogers experience of the year. This is truly one of the signs that spring has arrived. We took two friends along with us, Nancy Tirone and Rebekah Karelis, both “Rogers virgins”.

Me, Chris, Bekah, and Nancy ready for our Rogers experience!

To give you a little more info on Rogers, here is a blurb from their website:

A Friday visit to the Rogers Community Auction and Market is more than a buying spree. It’s a refreshing dip into rural Americana. Shoppers spill into the gravel walking paths between rail fences that guide shoppers through the maze of tables and between pavilions and barns.

Join the early morning walkers who measure their miles in the gravel aisles for exercise before they shop. The grounds open for business at 7:30 a.m. and vendors start setting up at least an hour before. Those who want to register for the afternoon auctions begin signing in at 7:30.

There is no admission charge and 70 acres of free parking is available. There is no dress code but good walking shoes are recommended if you plan to cover the entire three miles of aisles through the barns and outdoors. The 1,000 to 1,600 vendors, selling an A to Z conglomeration of goods, are randomly scattered so that there is a good variety in each aisle.

We had a fun day at Rogers, but that might be better said through the following photos!